A man accused of murdering two people in Coloma, Mich., and kidnapping two girls in January before he was arrested in Colorado is back in Michigan to face criminal prosecution.
Alex Perez, 24, was charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of 27-year-old Renee Mitchell and her father, 67-year-old John Mitchell. The Mitchells were found dead Jan. 14 at their home by a relative.
- RELATED: Kidnapped girls found safe, double murder suspect arrested in Colorado, Jan. 15, 2016
Police said Perez killed the two and kidnapped the two young daughters he had with Renee Mitchell, then drove west. He was arrested near Georgetown, Colo., on Jan. 15. The girls were with him and were placed with Child Protective Services in Colorado.
Perez fought extradition, but his efforts were unsuccessful. He arrived at Berrien County Jail at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, according to WSJM. He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 8.
- RELATED: Coloma double homicide suspect fighting extradition from Colorado, Jan. 26, 2016
At the courthouse Friday, Perez’ sister, Laura, says there are “two sides to the story.” She says his family supports him.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
